Dietary net energy mainly affects growth performance and pork quality of finishing pigs

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of net energy levels in diets for barrows, from 70 to 100 kg, on performance, plasma parameters and carcass characteristics. Two experiments were carried out: in the first (Experiment I), a metabolism assay was carried out to estimate the net energy (NE) of experimental diets. Twelve crossbred barrows, averaging 85.74 ± 6.80 kg initial body weight, were distributed in a randomized block design with two metabolizable energy (ME) levels (3100 and 3500 kcal kg–¹) with six replicates and one animal per experimental unit. In the second (Experiment II), 45 castrated male pigs were used, averaging 70.10 ± 1.26 kg of initial body weight distributed in a randomized block design, with five NE levels (2345, 2425, 2505, 2585, 2665 kcal kg–¹), nine replicates and one animal per experimental unit. The increase in diet NE levels provided a linear reduction (p ≤ 0.00039) in average daily feed intake (ADFI). There was a quadratic effect on NE efficiency (p ≤ 0.0027), average daily gain (ADG), (p ≤ 0.0352) and the feed:gain ratio (F:G), (p ≤ 0.0024), the optimal levels being estimated at 2485, 2493 and 2533 kcal kg–¹, respectively. Drip loss (DL) decreased (p ≤ 0.0001) as NE levels increased. There was also a linear decrease (p ≤ 0.0462) in the Minolta color parameter (+a*), due to the NE levels. Plasma parameters were not affected (p > 0.05) by NE levels. The dietary net energy levels affected the performance and meat quality of finishing pigs and the level of 2493 kcal kg–¹ provided the best ADG.

Dietary net energy mainly affects growth performance and pork quality of finishing pigs

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of net energy levels in diets for barrows, from 70 to 100 kg, on performance, plasma parameters and carcass characteristics. Two experiments were carried out: in the first (Experiment I), a metabolism assay was carried out to estimate the net energy (NE) of experimental diets. Twelve crossbred barrows, averaging 85.74 ± 6.80 kg initial body weight, were distributed in a randomized block design with two metabolizable energy (ME) levels (3100 and 3500 kcal kg­1) with six replicates and one animal per experimental unit. In the second (Experiment II), 45 castrated male pigs were used, averaging 70.10 ± 1.26 kg of initial body weight distributed in a randomized block design, with five NE levels (2345, 2425, 2505, 2585, 2665 kcal kg­1), nine replicates and one animal per experimental unit. The increase in diet NE levels provided a linear reduction (p ≤ 0.00039) in average daily feed intake (ADFI). There was a quadratic effect on NE efficiency (p ≤ 0.0027), average daily gain (ADG), (p ≤ 0.0352) and the feed:gain ratio (F:G), (p ≤ 0.0024), the optimal levels being estimated at 2485, 2493 and 2533 kcal kg­1, respectively. Drip loss (DL) decreased (p ≤ 0.0001) as NE levels increased. There was also a linear decrease (p ≤ 0.0462) in the Minolta color parameter (+a*), due to the NE levels. Plasma parameters were not affected (p > 0.05) by NE levels. The dietary net energy levels affected the performance and meat quality of finishing pigs and the level of 2493 kcal kg­1 provided the best ADG.(AU)

Dietary net energy mainly affects growth performance and pork quality of finishing pigs

ABSTRACT The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of net energy levels in diets for barrows, from 70 to 100 kg, on performance, plasma parameters and carcass characteristics. Two experiments were carried out: in the first (Experiment I), a metabolism assay was carried out to estimate the net energy (NE) of experimental diets. Twelve crossbred barrows, averaging 85.74 ± 6.80 kg initial body weight, were distributed in a randomized block design with two metabolizable energy (ME) levels (3100 and 3500 kcal kg1) with six replicates and one animal per experimental unit. In the second (Experiment II), 45 castrated male pigs were used, averaging 70.10 ± 1.26 kg of initial body weight distributed in a randomized block design, with five NE levels (2345, 2425, 2505, 2585, 2665 kcal kg1), nine replicates and one animal per experimental unit. The increase in diet NE levels provided a linear reduction (p 0.00039) in average daily feed intake (ADFI). There was a quadratic effect on NE efficiency (p 0.0027), average daily gain (ADG), (p 0.0352) and the feed:gain ratio (F:G), (p 0.0024), the optimal levels being estimated at 2485, 2493 and 2533 kcal kg1, respectively. Drip loss (DL) decreased (p 0.0001) as NE levels increased. There was also a linear decrease (p 0.0462) in the Minolta color parameter (+a*), due to the NE levels. Plasma parameters were not affected (p > 0.05) by NE levels. The dietary net energy levels affected the performance and meat quality of finishing pigs and the level of 2493 kcal kg1 provided the best ADG.

Age and growth of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) in the western equatorial Atlantic based on dorsal spines analysis / Idade e crescimento do bonito-listrado (Katsuwonus pelamis) no Atlântico Oeste Equatorial com base na análise dos espinhos dorsais

The skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) is a migratory pelagic fish occurring in all tropical and subtropical oceans of the world. Due to its economic importance and the unbridled increase in fishing efforts, stocks may collapse if this resource is not managed properly. The present study aimed to estimate growth parameters from different growth models based on annual rings from the dorsal spines of skipjack tuna caught in the western equatorial Atlantic. The first dorsal spine of each individual was extracted to produce cross-sections with 0.6 to 0.8 mm in thickness. We used a multi-model approach to select the best growth model based on the Akaike information criterion (AIC). Two hundred seventy individuals were analyzed, with an average length of 49.58 ± 7.72 cm. The von Bertalanffy growth model had the best fit to the data, but the Gompertz and Logistic models also had essential support. Average asymptotic length (LL) was estimated to be 114.05 and 102.63 cm for observed and back-calculated data, respectively. The dorsal spines are indeed efficient tools for estimating growth parameters and multi-model inference is a novel approach for adjusting discrepancies that likely result from a single-model approach.

O bonito-listrado (Katsuwonus pelamis) é um peixe pelágico migratório que ocorre em todos os oceanos tropicais e subtropicais do mundo. Devido à sua importância econômica e ao aumento desen-freado do esforço de pesca, os estoques podem entrar em colapso se este recurso não for manejado adequadamente. O presente estudo teve como objetivo estimar parâmetros de crescimento para di-ferentes modelos baseados nos anéis etários formados nos espinhos dorsais do bonito-listrado cap-turado no Atlântico Oeste Equatorial. O primeiro espinho dorsal de cada indivíduo foi extraído para produzir cortes transversais com 0,6 a 0,8 mm de espessura. Utilizamos uma abordagem de múltiplos modelos para selecionar o melhor modelo de crescimento com base no critério de informação de Akaike (AIC). Foram analisados 277 indivíduos, com comprimento médio de 49,58 ± 7,72 cm. O modelo de crescimento de von Bertalanffy teve o melhor ajuste aos dados, mas os modelos de Gompertz e Logístico também tiveram um suporte essencial. O comprimento assintótico médio (LL) foi estimado em 114,05 e 102,63 cm para dados observados e retrocalculados, respectivamente. Os espinhos dorsais são de fato ferramentas eficientes para estimativa dos parâmetros de crescimento e a inferência de multi-modelos é uma nova abordagem para ajustar as discrepâncias que provavelmente resultam de uma abordagem com base em um único modelo.

Net Energy Prediction Equations Used in Chinese Yellow Chickens for Energy Evaluation

ABSTRACT This study assessed whether the net energy (NE) system is beneficial for determining the efficiency of feed utilization in Chinese Yellow Chickens. A total of 5,600 male Chinese Yellow Chickens were assigned to eight dietary treatments (ten replicate pens per treatment and 70 chickens per pen) of differing apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and NE values. A highly significant linear correlation between dietary energy and feed conversion ratios (FCR) was observed (p 0.01). The linear regression equation between metabolizable energy (ME) and FCR was: AME=1435.5×F/G+6278.2, where R²=0.8272. The linear regression equation between NE and FCR was NE=1350.1×F/G+5340.9, and R²=0.9551. The R² of FCR (0.9551) for diets formulated using NE values was higher than the R² of FCR (0.8272) for diets prepared on the basis of the ME system. We conclude that the NE system is more accurate than the AME system for determining the energy requirements of Chinese Yellow Chickens.

Conversion to organic farming: a dynamic opportunity for Pakistani smallholders of fresh fruit / Conversão para a agricultura orgânica: uma oportunidade dinâmica para pequenos produtores de frutas frescas do Paquistão

Exporting the organic fresh fruit (FF) to Europe and America could be regarded as great opportunity for smallholders and suppliers of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. Yet, the global organic farmland and the number of organic producers are continued to grow. To date, little is known about the behavior of Pakistani farmers towards organic fresh fruit production. This study examined the factors that influence the decision-making of fresh fruit smallholders concerning the conversion to organic farming (COF). This study uses Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior (TPB) to predict the behavior of Pakistani smallholders of fresh fruit. Path analysis examined the utility of the extended version of the TPB model to anticipate 277 small-scale farmers’ behavioral intentions towards the adoption of organic farming (AOF) and their prospect of converting their farm to organic produce within the next three years. The present study reported that the smallholders’ attitude (ATT), subjective norms (SN), perceived behavior control (PBC), and farmer’s group participation (FGP) were positively correlated with farmer’s intention to adopt organic farming, while group participation of farmers has significant correlation with their behavior regarding production of organic fruits. The present study justifies using the model of farmers’ group participation in policies that deliberately cheer up smallholders of fresh fruit to adopt organic farming, to raise farm incomes and to alleviate poverty.

Exportar a fruta fresca orgânica (FF) para a Europa e América pode ser considerada uma grande oportunidade para pequenos proprietários e fornecedores de Gilgit Baltistan, Paquistão. No entanto, as terras agrícolas orgânicas globais e o número de produtores orgânicos continuam a crescer. Até o momento, pouco se sabe sobre o comportamento dos agricultores paquistaneses em relação à produção de frutas frescas orgânicas. O objetivo deste estudo, portanto, foi examinar e determinar os fatores que influenciam a tomada de decisão dos pequenos produtores de frutas frescas sobre a conversão para a agricultura orgânica (COF). Este estudo usa a teoria do comportamento planejado de Ajzen (TPB) para prever o comportamento dos pequenos produtores de frutas frescas do Paquistão. A análise de caminho examinou a utilidade da versão estendida do modelo TPB para antecipar as intenções comportamentais de 277 agricultores de pequena escala em relação à adoção da agricultura orgânica (AOF) e sua perspectiva de converter sua fazenda em produtos orgânicos nos próximos três anos. O presente estudo descobriu que a atitude dos pequenos proprietários (ATT), as normas subjetivas (SN), o controle do comportamento percebido (PBC) e a participação do grupo de agricultores (FGP) foram positivamente correlacionadas com a intenção do agricultor de adotar a agricultura orgânica, enquanto a participação do grupo de agricultores correlação significativa com seu comportamento em relação à produção de frutas orgânicas. O presente estudo justifica o uso do modelo de participação de grupos de agricultores em políticas que encorajam deliberadamente os pequenos produtores de frutas frescas a adotar a agricultura orgânica, para aumentar a renda agrícola e diminuir a pobreza.

Conversion to organic farming: a dynamic opportunity for Pakistani smallholders of fresh fruit / Conversão para a agricultura orgânica: uma oportunidade dinâmica para pequenos produtores de frutas frescas do Paquistão

ABSTRACT: Exporting the organic fresh fruit (FF) to Europe and America could be regarded as great opportunity for smallholders and suppliers of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. Yet, the global organic farmland and the number of organic producers are continued to grow. To date, little is known about the behavior of Pakistani farmers towards organic fresh fruit production. This study examined the factors that influence the decision-making of fresh fruit smallholders concerning the conversion to organic farming (COF). This study uses Ajzen's theory of planned behavior (TPB) to predict the behavior of Pakistani smallholders of fresh fruit. Path analysis examined the utility of the extended version of the TPB model to anticipate 277 small-scale farmers' behavioral intentions towards the adoption of organic farming (AOF) and their prospect of converting their farm to organic produce within the next three years. The present study reported that the smallholders' attitude (ATT), subjective norms (SN), perceived behavior control (PBC), and farmer's group participation (FGP) were positively correlated with farmer's intention to adopt organic farming, while group participation of farmers has significant correlation with their behavior regarding production of organic fruits. The present study justifies using the model of farmers' group participation in policies that deliberately cheer up smallholders of fresh fruit to adopt organic farming, to raise farm incomes and to alleviate poverty.

RESUMO: Exportar a fruta fresca orgânica (FF) para a Europa e América pode ser considerada uma grande oportunidade para pequenos proprietários e fornecedores de Gilgit Baltistan, Paquistão. No entanto, as terras agrícolas orgânicas globais e o número de produtores orgânicos continuam a crescer. Até o momento, pouco se sabe sobre o comportamento dos agricultores paquistaneses em relação à produção de frutas frescas orgânicas. O objetivo deste estudo, portanto, foi examinar e determinar os fatores que influenciam a tomada de decisão dos pequenos produtores de frutas frescas sobre a conversão para a agricultura orgânica (COF). Este estudo usa a teoria do comportamento planejado de Ajzen (TPB) para prever o comportamento dos pequenos produtores de frutas frescas do Paquistão. A análise de caminho examinou a utilidade da versão estendida do modelo TPB para antecipar as intenções comportamentais de 277 agricultores de pequena escala em relação à adoção da agricultura orgânica (AOF) e sua perspectiva de converter sua fazenda em produtos orgânicos nos próximos três anos. O presente estudo descobriu que a atitude dos pequenos proprietários (ATT), as normas subjetivas (SN), o controle do comportamento percebido (PBC) e a participação do grupo de agricultores (FGP) foram positivamente correlacionadas com a intenção do agricultor de adotar a agricultura orgânica, enquanto a participação do grupo de agricultores correlação significativa com seu comportamento em relação à produção de frutas orgânicas. O presente estudo justifica o uso do modelo de participação de grupos de agricultores em políticas que encorajam deliberadamente os pequenos produtores de frutas frescas a adotar a agricultura orgânica, para aumentar a renda agrícola e diminuir a pobreza.

Conversion to organic farming: a dynamic opportunity for Pakistani smallholders of fresh fruit / Conversão para a agricultura orgânica: uma oportunidade dinâmica para pequenos produtores de frutas frescas do Paquistão

Exporting the organic fresh fruit (FF) to Europe and America could be regarded as great opportunity for smallholders and suppliers of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. Yet, the global organic farmland and the number of organic producers are continued to grow. To date, little is known about the behavior of Pakistani farmers towards organic fresh fruit production. This study examined the factors that influence the decision-making of fresh fruit smallholders concerning the conversion to organic farming (COF). This study uses Ajzens theory of planned behavior (TPB) to predict the behavior of Pakistani smallholders of fresh fruit. Path analysis examined the utility of the extended version of the TPB model to anticipate 277 small-scale farmers behavioral intentions towards the adoption of organic farming (AOF) and their prospect of converting their farm to organic produce within the next three years. The present study reported that the smallholders attitude (ATT), subjective norms (SN), perceived behavior control (PBC), and farmers group participation (FGP) were positively correlated with farmers intention to adopt organic farming, while group participation of farmers has significant correlation with their behavior regarding production of organic fruits. The present study justifies using the model of farmers group participation in policies that deliberately cheer up smallholders of fresh fruit to adopt organic farming, to raise farm incomes and to alleviate poverty.(AU)

Exportar a fruta fresca orgânica (FF) para a Europa e América pode ser considerada uma grande oportunidade para pequenos proprietários e fornecedores de Gilgit Baltistan, Paquistão. No entanto, as terras agrícolas orgânicas globais e o número de produtores orgânicos continuam a crescer. Até o momento, pouco se sabe sobre o comportamento dos agricultores paquistaneses em relação à produção de frutas frescas orgânicas. O objetivo deste estudo, portanto, foi examinar e determinar os fatores que influenciam a tomada de decisão dos pequenos produtores de frutas frescas sobre a conversão para a agricultura orgânica (COF). Este estudo usa a teoria do comportamento planejado de Ajzen (TPB) para prever o comportamento dos pequenos produtores de frutas frescas do Paquistão. A análise de caminho examinou a utilidade da versão estendida do modelo TPB para antecipar as intenções comportamentais de 277 agricultores de pequena escala em relação à adoção da agricultura orgânica (AOF) e sua perspectiva de converter sua fazenda em produtos orgânicos nos próximos três anos. O presente estudo descobriu que a atitude dos pequenos proprietários (ATT), as normas subjetivas (SN), o controle do comportamento percebido (PBC) e a participação do grupo de agricultores (FGP) foram positivamente correlacionadas com a intenção do agricultor de adotar a agricultura orgânica, enquanto a participação do grupo de agricultores correlação significativa com seu comportamento em relação à produção de frutas orgânicas. O presente estudo justifica o uso do modelo de participação de grupos de agricultores em políticas que encorajam deliberadamente os pequenos produtores de frutas frescas a adotar a agricultura orgânica, para aumentar a renda agrícola e diminuir a pobreza.(AU)

A sinusoidal equation as an alternative to classical growth functions to describe growth profiles in turkeys

Because of the relatively long growing cycle and the high cost of research into turkey production and nutrition, the potential benefits from modelling growth in this avian species are considerable. Though there are many studies aimed at evaluating animal growth models, the number of studies targeting growth models in turkeys is quite limited. In this paper we present a sinusoidal function to describe the evolution of growth in turkeys as a function of time based on data published by Aviagen. The new function was evaluated with regard to its ability to describe the relationship between body weight and age in turkeys and was compared to four standard growth functions: the Gompertz, logistic, Lopez, and Richards. The results of this study show that the new sinusoidal function precisely describes the growth dynamics of turkeys. Fitting the functions to different data profiles nearly always led to the same or less maximized log-likelihood values for the sinusoidal equation, indicating its suitability in describing growth data from turkeys.(AU)

A sinusoidal equation as an alternative to classical growth functions to describe growth profiles in turkeys

Because of the relatively long growing cycle and the high cost of research into turkey production and nutrition, the potential benefits from modelling growth in this avian species are considerable. Though there are many studies aimed at evaluating animal growth models, the number of studies targeting growth models in turkeys is quite limited. In this paper we present a sinusoidal function to describe the evolution of growth in turkeys as a function of time based on data published by Aviagen. The new function was evaluated with regard to its ability to describe the relationship between body weight and age in turkeys and was compared to four standard growth functions: the Gompertz, logistic, Lopez, and Richards. The results of this study show that the new sinusoidal function precisely describes the growth dynamics of turkeys. Fitting the functions to different data profiles nearly always led to the same or less maximized log-likelihood values for the sinusoidal equation, indicating its suitability in describing growth data from turkeys.

Proposal of equations for predicting post-farrowing sow weigh

Background: Body condition score is used widely in swine production to ensure adequate nutritional levels in sows during gestation and lactation. However, body condition score is not a gold standard for the estimation of nutritional requirements in sows. Post-farrowing sow body weight assessment might serve as a useful approach for the better adjustment of the nutritional requirements during lactation; however, this approach is time-consuming, requires labor, and might result in detrimental effects on the sow behavior and welfare. The objective of the present study, therefore, was to formulate prediction equations for the estimation of post-farrowing sow weight.Materials, Methods & Results: Seven equations were formulated for predicting the post-farrowing sow body weight, by using the data from three databases, which comprised a total 522 sows (434 gilts and 88 multiparous). The sows were weighed on Day 112 of gestation and after farrowing within 12 h. The piglets birth weight was recorded within 24 h after farrowing. The equations were formulated considering all the parity orders. While formulating the equations, the following five variables were used: pre-farrowing body weight, piglets born, litter weight, the interval between pre-farrowing weighing and farrowing (in days), and the total feed intake between pre-farrowing and post-farrowing weighing. The seven models were compared using the sets of possible predictors through regression with the best subsets procedure (Minitab for Windows, v. 18). Equations (EQ) 1, 2, and 4 were validated with a database comprising 732 sows (parity orders: 1-5). The females were weighed on Day 107 of gestation and within 24 h after farrowing. The predicted weights estimated by EQ 2 and 4 (215.4 ± 34.3 kg and 216.7 ± 34.4 kg, respectively) did not significantly differ from the observed weight (216.8 ± 34.6 kg) [P > 0.05].[...]

Proposal of equations for predicting post-farrowing sow weigh

Background: Body condition score is used widely in swine production to ensure adequate nutritional levels in sows during gestation and lactation. However, body condition score is not a gold standard for the estimation of nutritional requirements in sows. Post-farrowing sow body weight assessment might serve as a useful approach for the better adjustment of the nutritional requirements during lactation; however, this approach is time-consuming, requires labor, and might result in detrimental effects on the sow behavior and welfare. The objective of the present study, therefore, was to formulate prediction equations for the estimation of post-farrowing sow weight.Materials, Methods & Results: Seven equations were formulated for predicting the post-farrowing sow body weight, by using the data from three databases, which comprised a total 522 sows (434 gilts and 88 multiparous). The sows were weighed on Day 112 of gestation and after farrowing within 12 h. The piglets birth weight was recorded within 24 h after farrowing. The equations were formulated considering all the parity orders. While formulating the equations, the following five variables were used: pre-farrowing body weight, piglets born, litter weight, the interval between pre-farrowing weighing and farrowing (in days), and the total feed intake between pre-farrowing and post-farrowing weighing. The seven models were compared using the sets of possible predictors through regression with the best subsets procedure (Minitab for Windows, v. 18). Equations (EQ) 1, 2, and 4 were validated with a database comprising 732 sows (parity orders: 1-5). The females were weighed on Day 107 of gestation and within 24 h after farrowing. The predicted weights estimated by EQ 2 and 4 (215.4 ± 34.3 kg and 216.7 ± 34.4 kg, respectively) did not significantly differ from the observed weight (216.8 ± 34.6 kg) [P > 0.05].[...](AU)

Age, growth and mortality of white grunt caught in Pernambuco state, Brazil / Idade, crescimento e mortalidade de Haemulon plumierii capturada no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

The aim of the present study was to measure the primary growth parameters and to estimate the mortality of the white grunt Haemulon plumierii in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Sagittal otoliths were collected monthly from May 2013 to April 2014 from three different commercial fishing landings along the coast of Pernambuco. A total of 333 individuals measuring 10.5 to 32.2 cm total length were caught. The total length distributions were different between locations. The weight-length relationships and the von Bertalanffy equations were statistically different between the three fishing sites. The weight-length relationship indicated negative allometric growth, therefore the von Bertalanffy equation for pooled sexes was TL(t) = 31.1[1-e(-0.1 (t +4.57))]. The maximum observed age was 21 years and the mortality rate was 0.21 year-1. The conducted analysis indicates a species with long life cycle and slow growth. Small reef fish with slow movement, such as the white grunt, are susceptible to fishing efforts, environmental factors and degradation, which affect growth and mortality. Therefore, we suggest an assessment of the status of the stock.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi estimar os primeiros parâmetros de crescimento e mortalidade de Biquara Haemulon plumierii no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Os otólitos sagittae foram coletados mensalmente de maio de 2013 a abril de 2014 a partir de desembarques da pesca comercial ao longo da costa de Pernambuco. O total de 333 indivíduos medindo 10,5 a 32,2 cm foram capturados. As distribuições de frequência de comprimento foram diferentes entre as áreas. Consequentemente, as relações peso-comprimento foram diferentes entre as áreas, bem como os parâmetros de von Bertalanffy. A relação peso-comprimento indicou crescimento alométrico negativo. Portanto, a equação de von Bertalanffy para sexos agrupados foi TL(t) = 31.1[1-e(-0.1 (t +4.57))]. A idade máxima observada foi 21 anos e a mortalidade total foi 0,21 ano-1. As análises conduzidas indicam uma espécie com ciclo de vida longa e crescimento lento. Pequenos peixes recifais de pouca movimentação, como a biquara, são susceptíveis ao esforço pesqueiro, fatores ambientais e degradação, que afetam o crescimento e a mortalidade. Portanto, sugerimos uma avaliação do status atual do estoque.

Age, growth and mortality of white grunt caught in Pernambuco state, Brazil / Idade, crescimento e mortalidade de Haemulon plumierii capturada no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

The aim of the present study was to measure the primary growth parameters and to estimate the mortality of the white grunt Haemulon plumierii in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Sagittal otoliths were collected monthly from May 2013 to April 2014 from three different commercial fishing landings along the coast of Pernambuco. A total of 333 individuals measuring 10.5 to 32.2 cm total length were caught. The total length distributions were different between locations. The weight-length relationships and the von Bertalanffy equations were statistically different between the three fishing sites. The weight-length relationship indicated negative allometric growth, therefore the von Bertalanffy equation for pooled sexes was TL(t) = 31.1[1-e(-0.1 (t +4.57))]. The maximum observed age was 21 years and the mortality rate was 0.21 year-1. The conducted analysis indicates a species with long life cycle and slow growth. Small reef fish with slow movement, such as the white grunt, are susceptible to fishing efforts, environmental factors and degradation, which affect growth and mortality. Therefore, we suggest an assessment of the status of the stock.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi estimar os primeiros parâmetros de crescimento e mortalidade de Biquara Haemulon plumierii no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Os otólitos sagittae foram coletados mensalmente de maio de 2013 a abril de 2014 a partir de desembarques da pesca comercial ao longo da costa de Pernambuco. O total de 333 indivíduos medindo 10,5 a 32,2 cm foram capturados. As distribuições de frequência de comprimento foram diferentes entre as áreas. Consequentemente, as relações peso-comprimento foram diferentes entre as áreas, bem como os parâmetros de von Bertalanffy. A relação peso-comprimento indicou crescimento alométrico negativo. Portanto, a equação de von Bertalanffy para sexos agrupados foi TL(t) = 31.1[1-e(-0.1 (t +4.57))]. A idade máxima observada foi 21 anos e a mortalidade total foi 0,21 ano-1. As análises conduzidas indicam uma espécie com ciclo de vida longa e crescimento lento. Pequenos peixes recifais de pouca movimentação, como a biquara, são susceptíveis ao esforço pesqueiro, fatores ambientais e degradação, que afetam o crescimento e a mortalidade. Portanto, sugerimos uma avaliação do status atual do estoque.(AU)

Comparison of the Quality Adjusting of Nonlinear Models for Organs, Carcass and Body Components in Meat-Type (Coturnix Coturnix Coturnix) and Laying-Type (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica) Quail

The objective of this study was to evaluate the adjustment quality of nonlinear models to data organs growth, carcass and body components of meat-type (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) and japanese laying-type (Coturnix coturnix japonica) quail. A total of 1350 quails from one to 42 d old were distributed in a completely randomized design, with five replicates each. To determine the organs growth (gut, heart, liver and gizzard), carcass and body components (wing, thigh and drumstick, back and breast), two quails per repetition were slaughtered weekly. The data were evaluated in function of different nonlinear models (Logistical, Brody, Richards, Von Bertalanffy and Gompertz). All models studied adjusted the data, differing in adjustment quality. Brody model showed the best description of gut length to all treatments. For the data gizzard weight, heart, liver and gut, the models that best adjusted, presenting smaller residual mean square and numbers iterations were Gompertz and Logistical. The Gompertz, Logistic and Von Bertalanffy models were the most adequate to describe the thigh and drumstick growth, back and breast, and Gompertz models and Logistic to describe the wing growth and carcass, showing lesser number of iterations to achieve the convergence of date, as well as low residual mean square and squares sums of the regression residuals. The Gompertz model was the most appropriate to describe the organs growth and body components in meat- and laying-type quail when evaluated in growth phase.(AU)

Comparison of the Quality Adjusting of Nonlinear Models for Organs, Carcass and Body Components in Meat-Type (Coturnix Coturnix Coturnix) and Laying-Type (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica) Quail

The objective of this study was to evaluate the adjustment quality of nonlinear models to data organs growth, carcass and body components of meat-type (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) and japanese laying-type (Coturnix coturnix japonica) quail. A total of 1350 quails from one to 42 d old were distributed in a completely randomized design, with five replicates each. To determine the organs growth (gut, heart, liver and gizzard), carcass and body components (wing, thigh and drumstick, back and breast), two quails per repetition were slaughtered weekly. The data were evaluated in function of different nonlinear models (Logistical, Brody, Richards, Von Bertalanffy and Gompertz). All models studied adjusted the data, differing in adjustment quality. Brody model showed the best description of gut length to all treatments. For the data gizzard weight, heart, liver and gut, the models that best adjusted, presenting smaller residual mean square and numbers iterations were Gompertz and Logistical. The Gompertz, Logistic and Von Bertalanffy models were the most adequate to describe the thigh and drumstick growth, back and breast, and Gompertz models and Logistic to describe the wing growth and carcass, showing lesser number of iterations to achieve the convergence of date, as well as low residual mean square and squares sums of the regression residuals. The Gompertz model was the most appropriate to describe the organs growth and body components in meat- and laying-type quail when evaluated in growth phase.

Growth curves in meat-type and laying quail: a Bayesian perspective / Curvas de crescimento em codornas de corte e postura: uma perspectiva Bayesiana

The aim of this study was to assess the goodness of fit for nonlinear models, using the best model to describe body growth curves, comparing the parameters obtained for gender and one meat-type (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) and two laying (Coturnix coturnix japonica) quail strains, as well as nesting via MCMC (Markov chain Monte Carlo processes) methods under a Bayesian approach. A total of 1,350 one-day-old mixed quail were used: 400 of meat-type, 450 of yellow laying, and 500 of red laying strains distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments (each treatment corresponded to one strain) and five replications. The experimental period consisted of 1 to 42 days of age. At 21 days of age, quail sexing was performed by means of sexual dimorphism, being individually identified at one day of age with numbered rings, allowing determining growth curves by gender. Birds were reared in a conventional system, fed ad libitum with diets formulated to meet nutritional requirements. Body weight was determined weekly and assessed using nonlinear models: Logistic, Brody, Von Bertalanffy, and Gompertz, whose parameters were estimated under a Bayesian approach via MCMC algorithm by means of BRugs package from the software R. DIC (Deviance Information Criterion) criterion was used to select the best nonlinear model, i.e. the lower the DIC value is, the better the model goodness of fit to thedata. Gompertz model was better adjusted to the data regardless the gender or strain. Meat-type quailhad the highest asymptotic weights and the highest age at which growth rate was maximum, followedby red and yellow strains. All nestings presented significant differences (p < 0.05) between gender forcontrasted parameters. Meat-type, yellow, and red females presented values significantly (p < 0.05)higher for asymptotic weight (370, 203, and 215 g, respectively) when compared to males (274, 131,and 143 g, respectively), which were earlier in body growth.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade de ajuste dos modelos não lineares aos dados, utilizando o melhor modelo para descrever as curvas de crescimento corporal, comparando os parâmetros obtidos para gênero e uma linhagem de codornas de corte (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) e duas de postura (Coturnix coturnix japonica), bem como o aninhamento, via método MCMC (Cadeias de Markov em processos de Monte Carlo), sob o enfoque Bayesiano. Foram utilizadas 1.350 codornas mistas, com um dia de idade, sendo: 400 da linhagem de corte, 450 de postura amarela e 500 de postura vermelha, distribuídas por um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos (cada tratamento corresponde a uma linhagem) e cinco repetições. O período experimental foi de 1 a 42 dias de idade. Aos 21 dias de idade foi realizada a sexagem por dimorfismo sexual, sendo que elas foram identificadas individualmente com um dia com anilhas numeradas, possibilitando a determinação das curvas de crescimento por gênero. As aves foram criadas em um sistema convencional, alimentadas ad libitum com rações formuladas para atender às exigências nutricionais. O peso corporal foi determinado semanalmente e avaliados por meio dos modelos não lineares: Logístico, Brody, Von Bertalanffy e Gompertz. Para a seleção domelhor modelo não linear utilizou-se o critério DIC (Deviance Information Criterion), em que quantomenor o valor de DIC, melhor é a qualidade do ajuste do modelo aos dados. Gompertz melhor se ajustouaos dados, independentemente do gênero ou linhagem. As codornas de corte tiveram os maiores pesosassintóticos e a maior idade em que a taxa de crescimento é máxima, seguido pela vermelha e amarela.Todos aninhamentos apresentaram diferenças significativas (p < 0,05) entre gênero para os parâmetroscontrastados. As fêmeas de corte, amarela e vermelha apresentaram valores significativamente (p <0,05) maiores para o peso assintótico (370, 203 e 215 g, respectivamente), comparados aos...

Growth curves in meat-type and laying quail: a Bayesian perspective / Curvas de crescimento em codornas de corte e postura: uma perspectiva Bayesiana

The aim of this study was to assess the goodness of fit for nonlinear models, using the best model to describe body growth curves, comparing the parameters obtained for gender and one meat-type (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) and two laying (Coturnix coturnix japonica) quail strains, as well as nesting via MCMC (Markov chain Monte Carlo processes) methods under a Bayesian approach. A total of 1,350 one-day-old mixed quail were used: 400 of meat-type, 450 of yellow laying, and 500 of red laying strains distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments (each treatment corresponded to one strain) and five replications. The experimental period consisted of 1 to 42 days of age. At 21 days of age, quail sexing was performed by means of sexual dimorphism, being individually identified at one day of age with numbered rings, allowing determining growth curves by gender. Birds were reared in a conventional system, fed ad libitum with diets formulated to meet nutritional requirements. Body weight was determined weekly and assessed using nonlinear models: Logistic, Brody, Von Bertalanffy, and Gompertz, whose parameters were estimated under a Bayesian approach via MCMC algorithm by means of BRugs package from the software R. DIC (Deviance Information Criterion) criterion was used to select the best nonlinear model, i.e. the lower the DIC value is, the better the model goodness of fit to thedata. Gompertz model was better adjusted to the data regardless the gender or strain. Meat-type quailhad the highest asymptotic weights and the highest age at which growth rate was maximum, followedby red and yellow strains. All nestings presented significant differences (p < 0.05) between gender forcontrasted parameters. Meat-type, yellow, and red females presented values significantly (p < 0.05)higher for asymptotic weight (370, 203, and 215 g, respectively) when compared to males (274, 131,and 143 g, respectively), which were earlier in body growth.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade de ajuste dos modelos não lineares aos dados, utilizando o melhor modelo para descrever as curvas de crescimento corporal, comparando os parâmetros obtidos para gênero e uma linhagem de codornas de corte (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) e duas de postura (Coturnix coturnix japonica), bem como o aninhamento, via método MCMC (Cadeias de Markov em processos de Monte Carlo), sob o enfoque Bayesiano. Foram utilizadas 1.350 codornas mistas, com um dia de idade, sendo: 400 da linhagem de corte, 450 de postura amarela e 500 de postura vermelha, distribuídas por um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos (cada tratamento corresponde a uma linhagem) e cinco repetições. O período experimental foi de 1 a 42 dias de idade. Aos 21 dias de idade foi realizada a sexagem por dimorfismo sexual, sendo que elas foram identificadas individualmente com um dia com anilhas numeradas, possibilitando a determinação das curvas de crescimento por gênero. As aves foram criadas em um sistema convencional, alimentadas ad libitum com rações formuladas para atender às exigências nutricionais. O peso corporal foi determinado semanalmente e avaliados por meio dos modelos não lineares: Logístico, Brody, Von Bertalanffy e Gompertz. Para a seleção domelhor modelo não linear utilizou-se o critério DIC (Deviance Information Criterion), em que quantomenor o valor de DIC, melhor é a qualidade do ajuste do modelo aos dados. Gompertz melhor se ajustouaos dados, independentemente do gênero ou linhagem. As codornas de corte tiveram os maiores pesosassintóticos e a maior idade em que a taxa de crescimento é máxima, seguido pela vermelha e amarela.Todos aninhamentos apresentaram diferenças significativas (p < 0,05) entre gênero para os parâmetroscontrastados. As fêmeas de corte, amarela e vermelha apresentaram valores significativamente (p <0,05) maiores para o peso assintótico (370, 203 e 215 g, respectivamente), comparados aos...(AU)

Study on the morphological development of quail embryos

In this study, the SWKQ series microcomputer automatic incubator was used to study the growth and development of quail in the embryonic stage. Results showed that the embryo shape of became gradually defined as embryo aged. On day 6, the head and body of quail were clearly differentiated, the legs became longer and the wings appeared. At 7 embryo age, the entire embryo of quail was very clear, and the beak has formed. During 3 to 9 days of age, quail embryos length increased quickly, showing a linearly upward trend. At 9 day old, quail embryos length reached 2.2 cm. The regression equation of embryo length to day old was curve regression, giving as following: y=-0.464+0.325x-0.004x2, y: embryo length, x: the age of the embryo.

Study on the morphological development of quail embryos

In this study, the SWKQ series microcomputer automatic incubator was used to study the growth and development of quail in the embryonic stage. Results showed that the embryo shape of became gradually defined as embryo aged. On day 6, the head and body of quail were clearly differentiated, the legs became longer and the wings appeared. At 7 embryo age, the entire embryo of quail was very clear, and the beak has formed. During 3 to 9 days of age, quail embryos length increased quickly, showing a linearly upward trend. At 9 day old, quail embryos length reached 2.2 cm. The regression equation of embryo length to day old was curve regression, giving as following: y=-0.464+0.325x-0.004x2, y: embryo length, x: the age of the embryo.(AU)